A TEENAGER from Esher is about to make a Channel crossing with a difference – he’s swimming it solo.

Conor Rowley, currently in the sixth form at Eton College, was inspired to attempt the feat by his swimming teacher of four years and his brother, who have both previously swum the Channel.

Conor’s coach, Nick Adams, who first swam solo aged 16, said: “He’s got the mentality to do it, he’s an exceptional young man.”

More people have climbed Mount Everest than swum to France, but the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) found that interest in the feat increased rapidly after David Walliams’ successful attempt. The comedian was not, however, an inspiration for the swimmer.

Conor said: “I had decided to do it before he had done it.”

The swim will help to raise money for CHASE, a charity that offers needs-based care and support for life-limited children and their families.

Conor chose the charity because a family friend helps run it.

During the swim, which will last 14 hours and cover 22 miles, Conor will have to brave jellyfish, strong currents and, most worryingly, hypothermia.

However, Mr Adams has told Conor: “Just ignore them all.”

The swimming instructor has advised him: “You’ve just got to keep swimming. Eventually, you’re going to get there.”

To combat the cold, Conor has had to gain weight. He will also have to apply Vaseline under his arms to stop rubbing from the salt in the water.

Training for the solo swim has been rigorous. Conor has had to swim twice a day since September and has recently been training in Dover Harbour to acclimatise to the cold conditions. This peaked recently with a seven-hour session, followed by a six-hour session the next day.

During the attempt, the swimmer will be monitored from a support boat and energy drinks will be thrown to him at regular intervals.

When asked if he would be supporting Conor from the boat, Mr Adams said: “Without a doubt.”

Dr Julie Bradshaw, head of the CSA, said: “I know what he must be going through, just to complete it is a fantastic feat.” She also warned of the risks involved, citing that the Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world and that there is a large amount of debris in the middle.

Conor must now wait until the conditions are right for the swim. He is hoping to make the crossing any time between this Friday and July 29.

If you would like to support Conor’s attempt, donations to CHASE can be made online at www.justgiving.com/ conorrowley.